Jesse Giles Christiansen is an American author who writes compelling literary fiction that weaves the real with the surreal. He attended Florida State University where he received his B.A. in English literature. He wrote his first novel, “About: Journey Into The Mystic” after spending a summer in Alaska working on fishing boats. His newest novel, “Pelican Bay,” focuses on a very old fisherman, Captain Shelby, and the mysterious happenings linked to him surrounding a nosy, sea-battered beach town (release date: July 20th, 2013, Imajin Books). One of his literary goals is to write at least fifty novels, and he reminds himself always of something that Ray Bradbury once said: “You fail only if you stop writing.”

After Ethan Hodges discovers an undersea cemetery just off the beach of Pelican Bay, South Carolina, he seeks answers from a grandfatherly fisherman named Captain Shelby. The captain wants the past to remain buried, and he warns Ethan to stay away. But Ethan doesn’t listen.

Ethan’s best friend and secret love interest, Morgan Olinsworth, joins in the investigation, unearthing intriguing secrets about the mysterious fisherman. When Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, a manhunt ensues, revealing a truth that unnerves everyone in Pelican Bay.

I believe an artist is a way of seeing the world, a creative space that cloaks you from birth like a fine, beautiful veil. But an artist needs to pick his best canvas and paint on that. Sometimes it takes time to see what your best canvas is. It took me till age forty-four to see that novels were my best art medium, though I wrote my first novel when I was twenty-six years old. I’ve been songwriting since I was fifteen-years old, and I think that’s probably canvas number two. However, I want to learn to paint before I die.

Did your book require a lot of research?

The research for PELICAN BAY was somewhat challenging, but very fun. It included visiting the South Carolina coast for some time, haunting the beaches, the dunes, the fetid marshes, even meandering through tiny towns. It also included a bunch of online research going back as far as the Vikings.

Agatha Christie got her best ideas while eating green apples in the bathtub. Steven Spielberg says he gets his best ideas while driving on the highway. When do you get your best ideas and why do you think this is?

http://thedarkphantom.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/pelicanbaymedformayra.jpg?w=195&h=300My best ideas come mainly from dreams. PELICAN BAY came from a strange dream. I was standing on a Carolina beach, noticing dark, ominous rocks littering the ocean floor just beyond the shelf. I woke up haunted, and later that day my fingers went to work. Ironically, Captain Shelby, the main character, my favorite character that I’ve created so far, seemed to birth himself by his own will right from the pages; he was not planned at all. He roared for room to grow, and, like a good author should, I gave it to him.

Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her when she refuses to inspire you?

The Muse is just a special woman who needs a little extra attention, that’s all. If you wake up every morning, give her a hug, and say, “I love you,” she’ll always be there for you. If you let worldly distraction drown out her soulful voice, you pay the price. It’s called writer’s block, or, “The Scorn of The Muse.” To get her back, show her some love. The Muse is a beautiful woman who never holds grudges.

What types of scenes give you the most trouble to write?

Not so much scenes, but often character’s voices. It really depends on the character. Captain Shelby’s voice is the most difficult I’ve ever had to hone, because it is a melting pot of so much. It took years to perfect the captain’s voice, but the reward has been worth it!

Do you write non-stop until you have a first draft, or do you edit as you move along?

I used to just sort of throw up and then go back. But I learned at a writing conference how much time it saves to start each writing period by reviewing the last chapter. Also, you end up with a much more polished manuscript at the end, and there’s the benefit of really getting warmed up before starting the new words that day.

They say authors have immensely fragile egos… How would you handle negative criticism or a negative review?

Negative, especially mean criticism, must be treated like pet piranha. You can look at them, but only behind thick glass.

How do you divide your time between taking care of a home and children, and writing? Do you plan your writing sessions in advance?

A schedule for the 21st century writer is critical! Also, my humble belief is that great words diminish quickly, within a few hours. The creative process is demanding and exhausting. I prefer to write a few hours in the morning each day, then spend the rest of the day with marketing, office work, submission and editing, etc. I strive to stop at 5pm or some reasonable time for relaxation and quality time with those close to me. During a book release, well, the best of plans!

As an author, what is your greatest reward?

The creative process itself, when great words appear on the screen from the tips of the fingers as if lightning bolts from literary gods … and the great feelings that accompany those words.

Anything else you’d like to say about yourself or your work?

Open your hearts and mind to PELICAN BAY and the book will transport you to a world whose memories and wisdom I hope will haunt you afterward in such a way that you’ll forget they were born of fiction.

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